Raw returned one minute before the top of the hour with Stephanie McMahon's music playing to a mild reaction. Stephanie walked out to the ring in her power suit before beginning her speech.

[Q5 -- second hour] Stephanie said she would like to welcome out someone who helped teach her a lot of life lessons along the way growing up in the business. Her friend, her giant, The Big Show. Out came Show dressed to wrestle as Stephanie smiled, so proud of her giant friend.

Once Show entered the ring, they hugged. Lawler said Stephanie is about to kill Show with kindness. Stephanie said she heard that Show doesn't want to face Daniel Bryan tonight. So, she would like to explain to Show what the price is for not doing what he wants to do. Stephanie said she's a 12-year-old girl who Show helped out back in the day. Stephanie said they know that Show is flat-out broke, has made some investments, and he has nothing right now. Stephanie said there are public records on this.

As for the iron-clad contract, Stephanie said as long as Show doesn't perform, then he is in breach of the contract. Stephanie then brought up Show's longevity and not having much time left in WWE. Steph asked what he's going to do - be the world's largest gas attendant? A generation of kids just asked "what's a gas attendant?" Stephanie said Show wants to give all of this up just because he won't wrestle one match.

Stephanie then went there that giants don't live as long as most people. "It's about your family, Show!" she said as Show sold tears. Stephanie told Show to perform his duties and face Daniel Bryan tonight. Steph said she knows that Show is hurting, but the only person hurting more than him right now is her. Steph went for the big hug, then left Show alone in the ring. After Stephanie left the ring, Show remained standing in the ring contemplating her words and fighting back tears.

[Commercial Break at 9:05]

Coming back from break, Edge's music played for a video package. Edge is back on Raw next week for WWE's counter to Week 1 of Monday Night Football.

Backstage: Big Show was so angry about being on the App that he destroyed the backstage area. Show, embarrassed and frustrated by Stephanie, stomped off with tears in his eyes.

Announcers: Cole and Co. said it's okay to be on the App. Cole then fed to a moving graphic aimed at eight-year-olds on how to install the App.

In-ring: 3MB was on the way to the ring while Cole was still explaining the App installation process. Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal were introduced for the next match, then Prime Time Players's music played to bring out Titus O'Neil and Darren Young. WWE tried to find some fans in the crowd doing the Millions of Dollars Dance as the Players entered the ring.

Slater mocked Young's barking early on, so Titus took it out on him with corner stomps set to the tune of his referee whistle. Meanwhile, Cole revisited Big Show's "iron-clad contract," which Cole said they learned isn't so iron-clad. JBL took aim at John Laurinaitis, who signed Show to the deal two years ago in the storylines, saying he can't do anything right.

[Q6] 3MB controlled the action on D-Young as Titus looked for a tag. After Cole noted they're in Canada next week, Lawler said they really have to remind him of what happened one year ago in Canada when he had a heart attack. In the ring, D-Young fought back and tagged in Titus, who rocked Mahal with power offense. Titus delivered an overhead slam, then shook the ropes and did his dog bark. Titus followed with a standing kick that resulted in a two count when Slater broke up the pin.

Chaos. The action broke down, then Mahal knocked Young to the outside. But, Mahal turned around and ate Clash of the Titus. It was good for the pin and the win. Afterward, the Players did their Millions of Dollars dance as some crowd members joined in.

WINNERS: Players at 5:28.

Still to come: Cody Rhodes in a fight for his career against Randy Orton. The graphic read: "Cody Rhodes's Career in Jeopardy." As Raw cut to break, JBL shouted, "Just days before his wedding!"

[Commercial Break at 9:19]

GM Office: Brad Maddox was on the phone. Paul Heyman then snuck in and told Brad to call the person back. Brad obliged, then Heyman got right in Brad's face and said he's not doing too well today because of Brad. Brad said he doesn't understand. Heyman said Brad put his fate in the hands of the WWE Universe last week, which is not a good thing. Now, he's put him in a situation at Night of Champions where it's practically guaranteed that Punk will get his hands on him. Heyman asked Brad if that's what's best for business.

Suddenly, Triple H barged in and patted Paul on the back a few times. Hunter said that sounded like his cue. He said he approved that match at Night of Champions. Heyman blurted something out, then calmed down and asked why Hunter did that. Hunter said he might think it's because of their past, but he was amazed at how he weaseled himself out of so many situations in the past. Hunter said he put him in a situation where he can't weasel out of this this time and he looks forward to seeing Punk giving him a beating, which popped the crowd. Hunter said Heyman might be able to get out of this situation, though, which would be mazal tov for him. But, either way, he wins. Hunter said that's what's best for business. Hunter smirked and walked off, leaving Heyman to stare off into the distance.

[ JC's Reax: Punk-Heyman was fine existing on its own in a separate world from the McMahons/Triple H business. Now it's mixed in with the messy over-arching program of Authority Figures vs. The Roster, apparently to make it seem like Hunter isn't "that bad of a guy" for backing Punk against Heyman. ]

Wyatts Vignette: Bray Wyatt told the story of Icarus getting too close to the sun. In WWE, that's Kane. Wyatt said he made his own bed and now he burns in it. On commentary, Lawler described Bray as the "minister of sinister." As opposed to the "Sinister Minister" Jim Mitchell?

In-ring: Cody Rhodes was introduced for the next match, with his career on the line. Rhodes entered the ring and crouched down contemplating the significance of the match.

[Q7] [Commercial Break at 9:30]

Back live, the announcers sold concern over Rhodes's situation tonight. As Rhodes continued to stoop down in the ring, Randy Orton's music played to bring out Orton. Cole said this isn't right just days before Rhodes's wedding. As Orton slowly walked to the ring, Cole enthusiastically said the locker room is behind Rhodes.

4 -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. CODY RHODES -- non-title match

As the bell sounded, JBL claimed Rhodes has always been jealous of Orton. JBL added that former Legacy member Ted DiBiase just left the company and Rhodes could be next. Cole then cut a promo on JBL for defending Hunter, saying he's as loyal to WWE as anyone else, but some of these things have become ridiculous. In the ring, Orton dominated early on before chucking Rhodes out of the ring. Rhodes came back with a right hand strike, then rolled Orton into the ring.

In the ring, Rhodes snapped off a dropkick for a two count. Orton then took control as Cole discussed Rhodes's history in this business and Hunter's abuse of power putting Rhodes's career on the line. JBL responded that pressure can make diamonds and he's sure Hunter will be proud of him if he pulls out this victory. Rhodes had Ten Punches in the corner, but Orton cut him off and sent Rhodes flying to the outside. Rhodes sold on the outside and one fan on the front row shouted, "CODY!" over and over leading to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:40]

Back from break, Cody's career ended on the App. Nevermind, Cody was battling for his career on the outside. Cody chucked Orton back into the ring, then Orton rolled back to the floor, where the battle continued. The same fan chanted, "NO!" over and over before Orton dropped Rhodes across the guardrail. Orton savored control of the match before taking his former Legacymate by the hair and punching him in the head.

Back in the ring, Orton worked on Rhodes as the crowd seemed to be distracted by something happening off-camera. "Whoos!" broke out as WWE cut to a backstage shot of various babyfaces watching the match. And, there was Fandango, a heel, trying to hide behind Tons of Funk. A random "Randy Savage" chant broke out in the crowd as Orton continued to work a headlock.

[Q8] Rhodes came back with a clothesline at 10:00 to re-engage the crowd. Rhodes delivered a punch to the mouth before climbing to the outside and delivering a springboard dropkick for a close two count. Another close nearfall for Rhodes as Cole encouraged Cody to stay focused. The crowd chanted Cody's name as Rhodes contemplated his next move.

From the top rope, Cody went for a moonsault, but Orton side-stepped and Rhodes ate the mat. But, Cody escaped a pin attempt. Orton then swung Rhodes to the middle rope and delivered his trademark DDT. Cole said that might be all for Orton, who then went to That Place firing up the crowd, almost in a mocking way. Orton then dropped down to the mat to tease the RKO, but Cody snapped his neck into Cross Rhodes. Cody covered as the crowd popped huge, but Orton kicked out just before three.

At 13:00, Cody tried to follow up, but Orton snapped his neck across the top rope. Orton then ran into a back elbow smash and Cody tried to roll up Orton, but Orton escaped again. Cody went for the Disaster Kick, but Cody sold injuring his knee. Orton followed with a kick to the knee, then he dropped Cody with an RKO center-ring. "Come on, Cody, kick out!" Cole shouted, but Orton scored a three count for the win.

WINNER: Orton at 13:45. Fantastic TV match with a great story in-play of Cody's career on the line and the crowd buying into the false finishes. The "human interest" element of Cody's character suddenly being engaged came out of nowhere, but it aided this match.

Post-match: The announcers sat quietly before Lawler solemnly said that days before Cody's wedding, his career might be over. WWE replayed the high points of the match before returning to a live shot of Orton confidently walking out of the ring with possession of the WWE Title belt. Orton turned around and stood tall on-stage as Rhodes collected himself in the ring. Hunter then walked out on-stage and patted Orton on the gut.

Hunter, with a mic in his hand, sarcastically asked the crowd to give it up for Cody Rhodes. Hunter said he has to admit that Rhodes went all in and fought like his life was on the line. "Man, you fought with heart," Hunter said. He said he respects Cody from the bottom of his heart. But, this is a business. And in business, he needs winners, which is why he can't let his personal feelings cloud his judgment. Hunter paused, collected himself, took a breath, and said that, "Cody, with deep regret, I have to tell you that you're fired." Hunter walked off.

In the ring, Cody sold dejection mixed with sadness. JBL said even he feels sorry for Cody. Lawler asked what Cody does now. Rhodes then slipped out of the ring, selling the effects of his knee injury. Cody hobbled away as the crowd sold unsure how to react, wondering if there was a swerve or something else coming. The vocal males eventually picked up a "Cody Rhodes" chant as Cody slowly walked up the entrance ramp, selling being in a daze and confused. Cody clenched his jaw and tried to walk up the ramp as Raw cut to break.

He hosted the weekly Pro Wrestling Focus radio show on KFAN in the early 1990s and hosted the Ultimate Insiders DVD series distributed in retail stories internationally in the mid-2000s including interviews filmed in Los Angeles with Vince Russo & Ed Ferrara and Matt & Jeff Hardy. He currently hosts the most listened to pro wrestling audio show in the world, (the PWTorch Livecast, top ranked in iTunes)

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